GOLF SWING TRAINING AID

Abstract

A golf swing training aid is configured to be worn by a player during practice swings or while playing the game of golf. The golf swing training aid includes a forearm plate strapped to the forearm, a thumb plate is strapped to the thumb, and a pivot that connects the thumb plate to the forearm plate. When donned, the pivot is positioned on the radial area of the wrist so that the hand is substantially restricted to extension and flexion movement relative to the forearm throughout the swing. The golf swing training aid automatically positions the player's hands in the correct position and provides muscle memory that instills proper positioning and movement of the arms and hands even when removed for actual game play.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the priority date of provisional application no. 61/369,506 filed on Jul. 30, 2010, entitled “Golf Swing Training Aid”.

BACKGROUND

In the game of golf, as in other ball-striking sports, there are many factors involved with the successful hitting of the ball in the short duration of time before, during, and following the hit. The beginner and intermediate golfer may have difficulty controlling all of these factors simultaneously within these few short seconds. A common mistake for these golfers is to permit ulnar deviation and radial deviation of the hand relative to the wrist, as is illustrated in FIG. 4B. A further mistake may involve the lifting of the thumb in radial abduction, as is shown in FIG. 4A. A combination of both of these erroneous motions is also likely.

In training of a golfer, it is desirous to limit these small, hard to control, but significant motions that adversely affect the trajectory of the ball. This may be achieved by limiting the motions of the player, such that he or she may focus on the primary mechanics of body position and the general swing. But this limiting device should not interfere with the normal swing and general play. It should also be comfortable to wear, easy to don, and fit players of various sizes. In using the limiting device, the beginner should develop a feel for the correct golf swing to develop a degree of muscle memory that will be recalled when the device is not utilized.

SUMMARY

The present golf swing training aid provides unique and significant advantages over the prior art by restricting unwanted movement and permitting desired movement to provide the player with muscle memory and instill the proper positioning and movement. The present golf training aid is donned or worn by a player during practice swings of a club or club training device or while playing the game of golf. A first portion or first rigid plate is secured to the forearm; and a second portion or second rigid plate is secured to the hand. A pivot connects the first portion to the second portion so that the second portion may pivot relative to the first portion. When the golf training aid is worn by the player, the pivot is positioned substantially on the radial area of the wrist so that the hand is substantially restricted to extension and flexion movement relative to the forearm.

Optionally, the second portion may specifically be laid atop the dorsal surface of the thumb and secured about the thumb by an elastic strap. In this way the lifting of the thumb in radial abduction is substantially prevented. Further optionally, a first major surface of the first portion can be laid on top of a second major surface of the second portion at the radial area of the wrist. Since the pivot holds the two major surfaces together or on close proximity, substantial rotation of the first and second portions outside of the axis of the pivot is prevented. Also optionally, the aperture through which the pivot connects the first portion to the second portion may be a slotted aperture to permit sliding and rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Further, a method of golf swing training is provided utilizing the present golf training aid. The present golf training aid is donned upon the arm and hand of a player. Then, the present golf training aid is positioned such that the pivot is substantially within the radial area of the wrist. In this way, the hand is substantially restricted to extension and flexion movement relative to the forearm. An optional step may include gripping the handle of a club with the training aid donned on the bottom hand, which is positioned closest to a head of the club or the end opposite the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of a golf training aid;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top planar view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1, showing the golf training aid donned on a player's hand and forearm with proper pivot placement;

FIG. 4A-B are illustrations of hand anatomy and movement that are controlled by golf training aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of hand anatomy and movement that are controlled by golf training aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1, worn on a player's hand holding a club at the top of the back swing, showing extension of the wrist;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the golf training aid as shown in FIG. 6, worn on a player's hand holding a club at the bottom of the swing at the point of contact with the ball, showing neither extension nor flexion of the wrist;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the golf training aid as shown in FIG. 6, worn on a player's hand holding a club in the follow through position, showing flexion of the wrist; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS of FIRST-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

• golf training aid 20
• forearm plate 22
• thumb plate 24
• hinge or pivot 26
• adjustable strap 28, 30
• thumb strap 32
• pad 34, 36
• aperture 38
• pin 40
• thumb 42
• forearm 44
• border 46
• wrist 48
• club 50
• handle 52
• right hand 54
• left hand 56
• player 58
• hook and loop fastener 60
• hand 62
• eyelet 64, 66
• natural pivot 68
• radial area 70
• thumb dorsal area 72
• bottom hand 74
• first major surface 76
• second major surface 78
• forearm 80

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the golf swing training aid 20 presented herein, includes a first portion or forearm plate 22 with a second portion or thumb plate 24 connected to the forearm plate 22 through pivot 26. A set of adjustable straps 28 and 30 are provided with mating hook and loop fastening surfaces 60 that permit the straps 28 and 30 to be threaded through respective eyelets 64 and 66, folded back, and fastened. The straps 28 and 30 are attached to the forearm plate 22, which may be achieved by a sewing process, snaps, glue, or any other appropriate attachment means.

The forearm plate 22 is preferably curved along one axis to conform to the general contour of an arm. The radius of the curvature may be arranged to encourage placement of the forearm plate over the radial portion of the forearm. The thumb plate 24 may be contoured, although perhaps to a lesser extend or not at all. Adhered to the concave or inner surfaces of the forearm plate 22 and thumb plate 24 is a pad 34 to provide a degree of cushioning for the player 58. This pad 22 may be made of neoprene rubber or other appropriate cushion material. The thumb plate 24 includes an elastic thumb strap 32, or other appropriate strapping means, looped though two parallel slots formed at the distal end.

Looking more closely at the hinge 26, a pin 40 with an enlarged head is mounted on the forearm plate 22 such that the pin 40 extends normally from a first major surface 76 of the forearm plate 22. Between the enlarged head of the pin 40 and the major face 76 of the forearm plate 22 is provided a clearance to receive the thumb plate 24 through the aperture 38, such that a major face of the thumb plate 24 is laid atop a major face of the forearm plate 22 with the head of the pin 40 preventing their separation, but allowing the pivoting of the thumb plate 24 relative to the forearm plate 22. An alternate arrangement of the pivot 26 may include a pin 40 with an enlarged head at each end, forming a rivet-like fastener through both plates 22 and 24.

The pin 40 forms an axis, about which rotation is restricted between the forearm plate 22 and thumb plate 24. Rotation is further restricted by the laying of one major surface atop the other, with the two being held in planar parallel close proximity This arrangement restricts rotation to the plane parallel to the major surfaces. Rotation or tilting in a plane other than what is parallel to the major surface is restricted. Even though the forearm plate 22 is curved, the portion mated to the thumb plate 24 may be flat to permit rotation, although this may not be required. Further, a spacing means known in the art (not shown) may be provided to separate the forearm plate 22 from the thumb plate 22, such as a washer, while maintaining the desired restricted movement.

The aperture 38 formed in the thumb plate 24 is slotted in this embodiment. The slotted aperture 38 permits sliding of the thumb plate 24 relative to the forearm plate 22 in a plane parallel to their major surfaces (76 and 78). This allows for adjustment of the distance between the thumb strap 32 and the hinge 26, such that various players of differing hand sizes may use the same size device. And further to allow sliding of the thumb plate 24 throughout the swing. The advantage of a slot is that the adjustment is automatic, such that the pin 40 will locate itself along the length of the slotted aperture 38 as the player 58 dons the training aid 20. The aperture 38 may also be a single round hole or a series of holes within an adjustment area. In order to adjust the thumb plate 24 within the series of holes, the pin 40 or its head may be removable by a threaded means or the like, where the thumb plate 24 may be relocated to an alternate hole. The length over which the thumb plate 24 may adjust is variable, but is preferably about one inch.

Looking particularly at FIG. 3, the training aid 20 is donned by the player 58. The forearm plate 22 is resting on the player's forearm with the adjustable straps 28 and 30 snuggly wrapped about the arm to secure the position of the plate 22. The relatively long length of the forearm plate 22 along the arm insures a secure fit that will not easily shift. This provides a stable base on which the thumb plate 24 may attach. Two straps 28 and 30 are used in this embodiment; however one or more straps may be used. Other appropriate forms of attachment to the forearm are also contemplated, such as a custom fitted plate that is secured around the forearm.

The forearm plate 22 extends towards the thumb 42; and the pin 40 is located at or near the natural pivot 68 on the player's wrist about which extension and flexion occurs. The player 58 first slips the thumb 42 into the elastic thumb strap 32. Then the forearm plate 22 is laid on the forearm 44, and the straps 28 and 30 are tightened. As discussed above, the rotation of the thumb plate 24 is restricted about the cylindrical axis of the pin 40. The positioning of the forearm plate 22 is arranged such that the pivot 40 is substantially positioned at or near the radial area 70 (region between the anterior and posterior of the forearm or the region between the palmar and dorsal of the hand). The thumb plate 24 is preferably positioned on top of the thumb dorsal area 72 which places the pivot 40 substantially on the radial area 70 of the wrist.

Looking at FIG. 5, the natural pivot 68 of the hand 62 is the pivot about which the hand 62 is permitted to rotate in extension and flexion, as naturally permitted by the wrist. Since the pivot 40 of the training aid 20 is substantially in axial alignment with the natural pivot 68 of the wrist (for extension and flexion movements), the pivot 40 freely permits extension and flexion movements. However, because the pivot 40 is not aligned with any other movement or pivoting of the wrist, ulnar deviation and radial deviation (shown in FIG. 4B) are substantially prohibited. The strapping of the thumb plate 24 on the thumb 42 tends to substantially restrict or reduce movement of the entire hand. Radial abduction of the thumb 42 is substantially prevented (shown in FIG. 4A) as well as radial and ulnar deviation. This restrictive feature is further enhanced when the user grips the handle 52 of the club 50, to further constrain the movement of the hand relative to the thumb.

FIGS. 6-8 show the training device 20 worn by a player swinging a club 50. FIG. 6 shows the club 50 in a top of the backswing position, where the training device 20 has placed the hands in the proper position by limiting their degree of freedom. The training aid 20 is preferably worn on the bottom hand (the hand closest to the club head) which is the right hand 54 in this illustration. The right hand 54 is shown in extension, with the thumb plate 24 pivoted relative to the forearm plate 22 in a like manner. Since the left hand 56 is also gripping the handle 52, the left hand 56 will be influenced by the proper positioning of the right hand 54 as induced by the training aid 20. The training aid 20 ultimately controls the angle of the club relative to the forearm. Without the training aid 20, radial deviation would be witnessed by the club 50 forming an acute angle with the forearm; and ulnar deviation would be witnessed by the club 50 forming an obtuse angle with the forearm.

In FIG. 7, the player's club 50 is at the bottom of the swing at the point of contact with the ball (not shown). The bottom hand (in this example, the right hand 54) is shown in neither extension nor flexion, where the thumb is substantially aligned with the forearm. FIG. 8 shows the club 50 after striking the ball, where the player 58 is following through with the swing. The bottom hand is shown in flexion with the thumb plate 24 similarly pivoted. When comparing the progression of the swing in FIGS. 6-8, from the top of the backswing to the follow through, one can see that the training aid 20 encourages a powerful snapping motion of the wrist, moving from extension to flexion. This “snap” tends to provide a stronger swing and drive the ball farther. However, with many beginners, this snap is hard to control without deviating into undesirable motions. The present golf training aid 20 permits the player to relax and let the hand naturally swing about the controlled hinge 40 on the forearm plate 22. The player is automatically placed in a better position to let the club 50 drop along the swing plane. The training aid 20 works best with the mid-irons, although it is contemplated that it may be used with a variety of clubs.

The plates 22 and 24 may be molded from plastic or other material that is structurally sufficient. The plates 22 and 24 should be sufficiently stiff or rigid to prevent undesirable flexing or breakage. This may be achieved by selecting a sufficient material thickness or molding in localized thickening. The curvature of the plates 22 and 24 may also provide additional stiffness.

The present golf training aid 20 will make golfing more enjoyable to the average person due to the simplification of the swing. The potential to hit the ball farther and straighter is increased. Errors in the swing are also more easily detected, as much of the freedom in the wrist movement has been removed, such that other more easily addressed factors may be corrected in the swing.

Claims

1. A golf training aid donned by a player having a hand, a forearm and a wrist, comprising:

a first portion configured to be secured to the forearm;

a second portion configured to be secured to the hand; and

a pivot connecting the first portion to the second portion such that the second portion pivots relative to the first portion;

wherein when the golf training aid is donned by the player the pivot is positioned substantially on the radial area of the wrist such that the hand is substantially restricted to extension and flexion movement relative to the forearm.

2. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein the first portion is a first rigid plate and the second portion is a second rigid plate.

3. The golf training aid of claim 2 wherein the second rigid plate is laid upon a thumb of the player and the first rigid plate is laid upon the forearm.

4. The golf training aid of claim 2 wherein a first major surface of the first rigid plate is laid on a second major surface of the second plate at the radial area, the pivot holding the first major surface in planar parallel proximity to the second major surface to prevent substantial rotation of the second rigid plate relative to the first rigid plate other than rotation about an axis of the pivot.

5. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein the pivot secures the second portion to the first portion through a slotted aperture to permit sliding and rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.

6. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein the first portion is a first rigid plate laid upon the forearm and the second portion is a second rigid plate laid upon the player's thumb, such that lifting of the thumb in radial abduction is substantially prevented.

7. The golf training aid of claim 6 wherein the second rigid plate is secured about the thumb with an elastic strap.

8. The golf training aid of claim 2 wherein the second rigid plate is secured about the thumb with an elastic strap and the first rigid plate is secured about the forearm with an adjustable strap.

9. The golf training aid of claim 2 wherein the second portion is configured to be secured to the thumb on the thumb's dorsal surface such that the pivot is positioned substantially on the radial area of the wrist.

10. A method of golf swing training for a player having a forearm, a wrist with a radial area and a thumb, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a golf training aid with a first plate configured to be secured to the forearm, a second plate configured to be secured to the thumb, and a pivot connecting the first plate to the second plate;

donning the golf training aid upon the forearm and the thumb of the player; and

positioning the pivot substantially within the radial area of the wrist, thereby restricting the hand substantially to extension and flexion movement relative to the forearm.

11. The method of golf training of claim 10 further comprising the step of gripping the handle of a club with the training aid donned on a bottom hand positioned closest to a head of the club.